Special Safety Concerns

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Special Safety Concerns

Ensure you arrive alive

Though you can drive an RV with your standard driver's license, and handling them is easier than most people think, they don't respond like cars. They're bigger and heavier, which makes acceleration and braking slower. To ensure your safety and the safety of other vehicles on the road, make sure you're familiar with your RV and keep these common stumbling blocks in mind.

Check your blind spots: Mirrors on RVs are extremely important, but these vehicles have many blind spots, so don't rely on mirrors alone. Be sure to crane your neck when you double-check, or get your navigator to lend an extra pair of eyes. Remember to use your mirrors and signal religiously so other drivers are aware of your intentions.

Keep your distance: You might feel like you're driving a bus, especially when you have to stop suddenly. Like trucks, RVs are heavier than cars and require a longer stopping distance. To avoid accidents:

Drive the speed limit

Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front

Pay attention to brake lights and be prepared to stop

Check your tires: A blown tire can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare, especially if you're miles from help and a spare. Before you hit the road, ensure your tires are properly inflated and that the tread depth is even. Regular inspections and proper maintenance will go along way to make sure you keep on truckin'. You'll further preserve your tires if you drive the speed limit and resist the urge to overload your RV .

Be a weight watcher: Gravity takes on a whole new dimension in an RV. To maintain a safe center of gravity, evenly distribute and properly secure your load - heavy items should be stored close to the ground and equally on either side of the vehicle. A correctly distributed load will ensure your RV handles more easily, and stops faster.

Put your RV on a diet: It's tempting to use up every nook and cranny of storage space in your RV. While this seems convenient on the surface, overloaded vehicles are the leading cause of breakdowns - which are not so convenient. To avoid accidents, breakdowns, lawsuits, denied insurance claims and bad karma, be sure to observe the: